(Hebrew. tappuach) Mention of
the apple tree occurs in the
Authorized Version in ( Solomon
2:3 ; 8:5
) and Joel
1:12. The fruit of this
tree is alluded to in ( Proverbs
25:11 ) and Song
of Solomon 2:5 ; 7:8
. It is a difficult matter to
say what is the specific tree
denoted by the Hebrew word tappuach
. ("The apple proper is rare
in Syria, and its fruit inferior.")
Most modern writers maintain
that it is either the quince
or the citron; (others speak
of the apricot, which is abundant
and deliciously perfumed.) The
quince had some plausible arguments
in its favor. Its fragrance
was held in high esteem by the
ancients. The quince was sacred
to Venus. On the other hand
Dr Royle says,"The rich color,
fragrant odor and handsome appearance
of the citron, whether in flower
or in fruit, are particularly
suited to the passages of scripture
mentioned above." But neither
the quince nor the citron nor
the apple appears fully to answer
to all the scriptural allusions.
The orange would answer all
the demands of the scriptural
passages, and orange trees are
found in Palestine; but there
does not appear sufficient evidence
that this tree was known in
the earlier times to the inhabitants
of Palestine. The question of
identification therefore, must
still be left an open one. International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia
sit'-run.